It is frustrating when you want to remove or replace a filter, and it decides to stay put. No matter how you try, you can't grip it firmly enough to get the thread moving. My first thoughts were of cold chisels and hammers (!) but my eventual solution is to use a nylon cable tie long enough to go close around the circumference of the filter. If you put it on the right way the harder you pull on the tail, the firmer it grips, and it soon starts the rotation. They cost a few cents each and I now have a small bunch of them in my bag.

Once my 18-55mm IS lens + UV filter fell down - everything still worked but the filter didn't want to move a bit. Well - I can't really remember how I removed it but as far as I know I used a pair of pliers. Luckily that was the only time I had that problem.

My friends, I have found a solution. Use a shoe! Really, it works so well. Preferably a flat one. Place it on the lens as if it were a lens cap, and rotate while applying mild pressure. Works like a charm .

For me, I use a rubber band. It grips onto the filter better than my hand alone. There has been a time though that I had to bring it into the shop to get my polarizer filter off with a filter remover contraption they had there.

No charge but I tipped the guy a few bucks because he was really nice about it.

_________________http://www.AnderssonPhoto.com Equipment: A blend of Canon, Nikon, Yashica, Leica, Voigtlander, Samyang and Sigma. All of which you can see on my website!Wishlist: Leica M 240, Summilux 50 ASPH, Summilux 24 ASPH